The 2015 PSSAs are a new, rigorous set of tests aligned to the PA Core Standards and designed with the expectation that fewer students will score "proficient." These lowered scores can then be used against the students, teachers, and administrators in all of Pennsylvania's schools. The time has come for parents to use the power they have and opt their children out of the PSSAs. It is an easy process, and this form includes a simple template you can use to start the opt out process. If you have questions or need support email optoutphilly@gmail.com.

SRC Testimony 12/18/14SRC testimony of APPS member Carol Heinsdorf to the December 18, 12014 SRC meeting concerning student and family privacy upon pending adoption of Resolution A-29, a $1.6 million grant from Philadelphia School Partnership to use the interactive website of Hobsons K-12, Inc./Naviance.

If you are concerned about the overuse and misuse of standardized testing at the local and national level, please contact the SRC to tell them you support the resolution.

Thanks to council members Quinones-Sanchez, Squilla, and Blackwell for introducing it this week. If you are a parent or guardian of a student in grades 3-8 in Philadelphia, please know your rights to refuse standardized testing for your child.

.For more information and support email Alison McDowell at optoutphilly@gmail.com.The Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schoolsfiles suit against the School Reform Commissionfor violation of the Sunshine Act.The Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools has filed suit in Pennsylvania Common pleas Court against the School Reform Commission, charging the SRC with violating the state's Sunshine Act on October 6th, 2014 when the SRC voted in haste with no public discussion to revoke the contract of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.The full text of the complaint: Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools vs. School Reform Commission

The SRC meeting was reported on the Melissa Harris-Perry Show on MSNBC on October 11th. Daniel Denvir was interviewed and Lisa Haver protesting can be seen in a video clip.Bombshell dropped on Philadelphia teachers

APPS Radio AdOn October 27th, The Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools released ads which aired for one week on KYW Newradio and WURD-AM. This is our effort to inform the public of the pro-Corbett agenda of the Philadelphia Schools Partnership.

Victory!On June 26th, 2014 the State Supreme Court declined to rule on the SRC's right to impose work rules! APPS filed an Amicus Curiae brief in support of the PFT's response to the SRC petitioning the State Supreme Court to impose working conditions on District employees. We won this battle! The first link is to the State Supreme Court ruling; the second to the APPS Amicus Curiae brief. Our brief is well worth a read to understand the issues (even if you just read the introduction).